Former fast-food operator in Brisbane fined $14,175

The Fair Work Ombudsman has secured a court-ordered penalty against a former Brisbane fast-food operator after it failed to back-pay entitlements to 24 employees.

SMC Food Truck Pty. Ltd., which previously operated a business called Salts Meats Cheese, was fined $14,175 after they failed to voluntarily comply with the Ombudsman’s orders.

The Fair Work Ombudsman investigated SMC Food Truck as part of audits of 44 fast food, café and restaurant businesses in the West End food precinct between December 2018 and March 2020. A Compliance Notice was issued to SMC Food Truck after the investigator was led to believe that the company had underpaid casual employees between October 2018 and February 2020.

The inspector believed casual employees had been underpaid their casual, overtime, weekend and public holiday entitlements under the Fast Food Industry Award 2010.

After the company failed to comply with the notice, they were issued a court-enforced penalty that must be paid in addition to the employee back-payments.

“Employers need to be aware that improving compliance in the fast food, restaurant and café sector continues to be a priority for the Fair Work Ombudsman. Any employees with concerns about their pay or entitlements should contact us for free advice and assistance,” says Fair Work Ombudsman Sandra Parker.